For daily ALA and library news, check the American Libraries website or subscribe to our RSS feed.
|
|
|
Misty Copeland (right) rose from a difficult childhood to become a ballet prodigy. The first African-American principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre, Copeland’s efforts to lead and affect social change through her work and writing make her an ideal choice for honorary chair of this year’s National Library Week (April 8–14), which features the theme “Libraries Transform: Libraries Lead.” She spoke with American Libraries about reading, writing, and, of course, ballet....
American Libraries Trend, Feb. 1 |
|
Kevin Maher writes: “Over the next few weeks, the White House is expected to release its FY2019 budget request to Congress. We expect the budget to include draconian cuts to library, education, and other non-defense discretionary spending. In fact, we believe funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services will be eliminated outright. ‘But wait, doesn’t Congress still have to finish a budget and spending bill for FY2018?’ The short answer is yes.”...
District Dispatch, Feb. 5 |
|
|
In Episode 22, Dewey Decibel features two people who are bringing more diverse voices and representation to the comic book world and libraries: G. Willow Wilson, the writer of the Ms. Marvel series, who discusses the inspiration behind the character Kamala Khan; and Mara Thacker, a librarian at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign who curates the library’s collection of South Asian comics....
AL: The Scoop, Feb. 6 |
|
ASCLA has updated 15 Library Accessibility Toolkits to help better serve patrons. Toolkits are developed to help librarians understand the challenges and opportunities presented by issues of equitable access for library users. These issues include users who have cognitive, mental, or emotional illnesses; users with learning or developmental disabilities; users with service animals; users who need assistive technology; and users with physical disabilities. Each guide offers an overview, tips, and recommendations....
ASCLA, Feb. 5 |
|
On February 5–9, libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions around the world are sharing free coloring sheets and books based on materials in their collections for Color Our Collections week. Here are some from the New York Academy of Medicine (many institutions are participating through this site), Europeana, Biodiversity Heritage Library, the British Library, the Smithsonian Libraries, and the National Library of Medicine....
#ColorOurCollections on Twitter |
|
|
Up to eight branches of the Cobb County (Ga.) Public Library System could be closed or consolidated under a proposal to save about $2.6 million for the county. Library Director Helen Poyer was asked to find $2.9 million in savings following the county commission’s budget retreat in October. A draft proposal suggests that eliminating all part-time positions, a total of 124 employees, is also under consideration, which would affect library hours....
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Feb. 5 |
|
Weeks after problems with a new vendor paralyzed interlibrary loans in New Jersey, the nonprofit that runs the lending operation declined to release records showing how it picked the company that botched the job. The board of LibraryLinkNJ voted to begin the process of hiring a new company to manage deliveries while considering whether to release records showing how it picked Expak Logistics, a Los Angeles–based company rooted in the pharmaceutical industry with scant experience in New Jersey....
North Jersey Media Group, Feb. 5 |
|
|
Patrons at Spartanburg County (S.C.) Public Library can check out and return multiple books again, a week after a ransomware attack shut down the library system’s computer network. Library Director Todd Stephens said technicians have worked hard to restore most data and that most functions were returning to normal on February 5. Stephens said he had no intention of meeting the hackers’ demand for $36,000 in bitcoins. All computers, copiers, and printers were expected to go back online on February 6....
Spartanburg (S.C.) Herald-Journal, Feb. 5 |
|
A Scottish director’s risk-taking has paid off after his feature film made the cut for the Glasgow Film Festival. Much of Douglas King’s Super November is set in his hometown of Clydebank, telling the tale of a librarian’s bittersweet romance in the wider context of an ever-changing political environment. The lead role is played by London-based actress Josie Long, and the Clydebank Library features prominently in the film....
Clydebank (UK) Post, Feb. 5
|
|
The New York Public Library has released an album for children called NYPL Sings. This 10-song album was a true collaboration by library staff to bring children, caregivers, and librarians a fun and free way to expand their early literacy practices. Through exposure to different languages, children can develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and vocabulary. The album features a variety of languages that will help kids understand the value of diversity, empathy, and inclusivity....
NYPL Blogs, Feb. 5 |
|
|
Mya Nunnally writes: “Some white authors do an amazing job of writing about race by doing research, being respectful, and understanding what lines not to cross. It indeed can be done. For a great example, see Underground Airlines by Ben Winters. During my time of reading white authors, I internalized a lot of bad things. Some of these I probably still haven’t unlearned, and they’ve hurt me in myriad ways as I grew and learned to accept myself. What specifically am I referring to? Here is a list.”...
Book Riot, Feb. 5 |
|
Chris Hoffman writes: “Like every piece of hardware, hard drives can fail. Mechanical hard drives in particular have moving parts that can (and eventually will) stop working. Even solid-state drives, which have no moving parts, can fail. Every drive has a limited lifespan before it kicks the bucket. This is why you should always have a good backup. But if your drive is acting a little wonky, you may be able to catch it before it dies completely.”...
How-To Geek, Feb. 6; Sept. 28, 2016; Aug. 24, 2017 |
AL Direct is a free electronic newsletter emailed every Tuesday and Friday to personal members of the American Library Association.
|
Send news and feedback: aldirect@ala.org
Direct ad inquiries to: mstack@ala.org
AL Direct FAQ: americanlibrariesmagazine.org/al-direct
All links outside the ALA website
are provided for informational purposes only. Questions about the
content of any external site should be addressed to the administrator of
that site.
AL Direct will not sell your email to outside parties, but your email may be shared with advertisers in this newsletter should you express interest in their products by clicking on their ads or content. If the advertisers choose to communicate with you by email, they are obligated to provide you with an opportunity to opt-out from future emails in compliance with the CAN-SPAM act of 2003. Read the ALA privacy policy.
American Libraries
50 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
800-545-2433, ext. 4216
ISSN 1559-369X
|
